The plight of the solo diner

Sometimes, frequent diners must eat alone, either planned or by happenstance. If you’re one of those people, do you feel the restaurant treats you well?
Here is one reader’s experience:

As a solo diner, I felt very unwelcomed (at an unnamed restaurant). I couldn’t make my reservation for one person on OpenTable, but noticed I could make it for two. I called the restaurant to ask why. The owner told me they don’t accept single diners because of the size of the restaurant. Along with being pissed off, I thought of you and wondered what your thoughts would be. Have you encountered this elsewhere?

Apparently, this restaurant doesn’t care to entertain Michelin inspectors who always dine alone (if you believe what they say). Regardless, at many restaurants, the single diner gets even more attention, and often a good table.

In the last few years with the rise of communal tables and counter seating, the single diner is comfortably accommodated.

While I don’t normally dine alone here, I sometimes do in New York and other cities when plans fall through at the last minute. In conversations with my colleagues in other cities, many critics actually enjoy dining alone because it gives time to reflect on the food and observe what’s going on. It’s sometimes nice not to have to be responsible for carrying half the conversation.

In any case, whether by design or circumstance, single diners should be welcomed as graciously as parties of two, three or four.